Posted by beardedlady on April 28, 2002, at 7:20:16
In reply to Attn Dr. Bob: A Legal Issue, posted by Ron Hill on April 27, 2002, at 21:44:47
Ron:
Freedom of speech is not at issue here. The Internet is one of those places that has its own constitution. You can use inciteful speech on the internet, and it's not punishable by law. And you can place restrictions on speech, as well, without penalty.
AOL, an enormous on-line company (an understatement, of course) has its own civility rules--strict ones, and they cannot be challenged in the supreme court. (Even e-mails are not excempt; if you have an account with AOL, you mustn't--I believe--use offensive language. Your account will be terminated.)
In my school--a university, I have a contract with my students. They must abide by the rules of my classroom, whether I work for the University of Bumwad or any other place that receives government funds. My students do not have freedom of speech, and, frankly, neither do I.
This web site has rules. You want to post here? Follow them.
This is not a constitutional law issue.
You know I love you, Ron. But I do hope you will understand the difference. And if you pursue it, I am almost certain a lawyer would tell you the same. I hope you don't, though. Because right about now, if I were Bob, I'd shut the whole project down.
beardy : >
poster:beardedlady
thread:4740
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020420/msgs/4757.html